[CBQ] CBQ rider and grandson of CBQ employee of 40 + yrs

["Louis Zadnichek via Groups.Io" <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io>]

July 27, 2018

Rick - I had hoped that Leo or someone else with train service experience would further comment on the duties of a brakeman, but since not, here are two interesting links that will give you some background:

http://neversinkmuseum.org/articles/the-life-of-a-brakeman/

https://www.american-rails.com/brakeman.html

Taking a closer look at your family photograph, my educated guess is that your grandfather was most likely employed in train service at the time, either as a freight train brakeman or conductor, from his clothes and, most importantly, his railroad pocket watch that you can clearly see the attached fob displayed across his lower waist. He is not wearing a passenger train uniform, but rather heavy warm clothes suitable for working on a freight train.

Only train service employees carried pocket watches as they were required and, for the times, expensive. As far as I can remember, one exception to train service where a pocket watch was required would be if your grandfather was a section foreman (responsible for maintaining a "section" of track, usually about 12 miles in length, but it could vary). Any other comments on this subject will be most welcome - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL   

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From: lzadnichek@aol.com
To: CBQ@groups.io
Sent: 7/25/2018 9:47:54 AM Central Standard Time
Subject: Re: [CBQ] CBQ rider and grandson of CBQ employee of 40 + yrs

July 25, 2018

Rick - I'm going to pass your question to Leo Phillipp who is a Group member.  Leo's expertise is in train service and I'm sure he can better describe the job duties of a "brakeman" than I can.  Leo, help me out here! Best Regards - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL.

In a message dated 7/24/2018 11:06:52 PM Central Standard Time, mos19z5h=aol.com@groups.io writes:

Hey Louis you identified tje job title of the

men in that photo and I didn't realize it.

So my grandfather was a breakman at that time.

Could you please tell me what a Breakman's

duties were?

Thank you

Rick s

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

-------- Original message --------

From: "Louis Zadnichek via Groups.Io" <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io>

Date: 7/24/18 11:53 AM (GMT-06:00)

To: CBQ@groups.io

Subject: Re: [CBQ] CBQ rider and grandson of CBQ employee of 40 + yrs

July 24, 2018

GREAT old photograph! Thanks for sharing with our Group.  The locomotive is either a Class H-1 or Class H-2 2-6-0 type.  From what I can see, I think it's more likely a Class H-1. I can not identify its number. The Class H-1 and H-2 locomotives, constructed between 1888 and 1896, were a successful design used on both freight and passenger trains of the era. They were a transitory step between the earlier 4-4-0 type and later 4-6-0  type locomotives. In later years, the Class H locomotives were well suited for branch line service and a few survived until the late 1940s or early 1950s.

From the slide valve cylinders and style of clothing worn by the men (from left to right, engineer in cab window, fireman, passenger conductor and brakeman), I'd date the image to around 1910, may be earlier.  Since the "arm strong" turn table appears to be the original one for the Downers Grove roundhouse, perhaps, fellow Group members Bill Barber or Bob Campbell (both of whom grew-up in Downers Grove) can tell us the date the roundhouse was constructed or any other details in your image that I may be overlooking. Again, thanks for sharing. Best Regards - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL   

In a message dated 7/24/2018 7:11:04 AM Central Standard Time, mos19z5h=aol.com@groups.io writes:

Sorry, I thought i had .  I hope this attachment comes thru ok.   Let me know please.

Thank you

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

-------- Original message --------

From: "Louis Zadnichek via Groups.Io" <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io>

Date: 7/22/18 2:28 PM (GMT-06:00)

To: CBQ@groups.io

Subject: Re: [CBQ] CBQ rider and grandson of CBQ employee of 40 + yrs

July 22, 2018

You did not attach the image of your grandpa and locomotive on the Downers Grove turntable. I should be able to ID the locomotive for you - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

(Downers Grove HS Class of 1964)

Fairhope, AL

In a message dated 7/22/2018 7:14:53 AM Central Standard Time, mos19z5h=aol.com@groups.io writes:

Hello,

I have a great interest in the CB&Q RR and the history of the development of the commuter trains, Turntables, and most of all my grandfathers employment confirment  and job titles.  Also identification of the Engine in the photo below.  My grandfather was in the forefront extreme right. The turntable was located in Downers Grove, Illinois until the mid 50s I believe. I saw it in action when I was a child.  My grandparents lived just next to the turntable on Warren Ave.   Grampa Ernest Leroy Johnson died in 1942.   He was a resident of Downers Grove.

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